Unions demand urgent action on labour law reform

The overdue labour laws review must be passed without delay to stop continued workplace abuse in Fiji, unions say.

Union leaders said that the proposed amendments to the Employment Relations Act strengthened protections against wage theft, enforce overtime payments, and give labour officers the powers needed to ensure workplace compliance.

Construction Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) national secretary John Paul, said the review should have been completed years ago and any attempt to stall it now would be irresponsible and harmful to workers.

“We are concerned, very concerned, that this legislation has taken so long,” Mr Paul said. “Employers were fully engaged during consultations for years. Now, after everything is done, they suddenly want more consultation.”

Mr Paul said the non-payment of overtime hours remained rampant, calling it wage theft and abuse of workers’ rights.

“Those employers who comply have nothing to worry about. It is those who have been abusing the system who are making noise now,” he said.

Transport Commerce and General Workers Union general secretary, Kamlesh Kumar, supported the call, saying employers had multiple chances to raise concerns earlier.

Roadshow

“In January, the Ministry of Employment held roadshows where HR managers, CEOs, general managers, along with a group of union leaders, attended. None of the employers asked any questions or raised any issues,” he said.

“We had 15 years of consultation, isn’t that enough?” Finance Sector Managerial Staff Association general secretary, and Fiji Tourism Workers Union employee relations consultant, Sailesh Naidu, said the Bill was a living document that could be improved overtime, but must move forward now.

“Rome was not built in a day. If we miss something, we will continue to lobby. But delaying now only benefits those who exploit workers,” Mr Naidu said. Peace

“If employers stop derailing the process, everyone, including them, would benefit. We want industrial peace,” Mr Paul said. The union leaders said proper enforcement would ensure harmony, not conflict, and had urged Parliament to pass the Bill without further delay to protect workers, strengthen compliance, and align Fiji with international labour standards.

Feedback: katherine.n@fijisun.com.fj